Strata Speak

Often it falls on the strata manager to play the role of ‘bad guy’ – be it in collecting overdue levies, enforcing by-laws or letting owners know that something they want to do is in contradiction with the law. It’s not something we like to do. Strata Managers are generally customer service advocates, wanting [...]

We’re very pleased to announce that our first ever live webinar session for our valued owners will be held on: Wednesday 21 February 2018, commencing at 6.30pm. Joanne Jenkins, a strata manager with over 12 years experience will be joined by Office Manager Toby Stanford as they discuss all things by-laws. From amending by-laws, [...]

Happy New Year! From the entire Strata Sense team we hope you had a truly fabulous festive season and that 2018 will bring you prosperity and joy. 2017, a year not to be forgotten. Globally speaking, 2017 felt like a year of much social movement, both overseas and domestically. We saw the inauguration of, seemingly, [...]

When, how and why does a Strata Scheme pay GST and Income tax? Let us explain. While fresh food and water remain GST exempt, if your building collects more than $150,000 a year in income (levies) we must register your strata plan for GST. This in turn means that GST is collected on your levies, [...]

The new strata legislation requires that all existing strata schemes review their by-laws by 30 November 2017. What’s interesting is the Act does not provide detail on what a review is, or how this review is to be undertaken. And of course, this requirement does not lock an owners corporation out of undertaking a review at [...]

Window Safety Locks – Will You Need Them? Following a number of deaths and injuries to children falling from windows the NSW Government has launched the ‘kids can’t fly’ campaign – a two pronged approached involving education and a change in legislation requiring window safety locks installation by March 2018. The legislation requires that any [...]

Strata 101 Workshop Program City of Sydney Council are running a number of practical workshops to help you live in strata harmony. Industry experts, including Marc Gibson and Natalie Fitzgerald from Strata Sense will provide information and help you find practical solutions for tricky strata issues such as pets, parking and noise. Whether you own [...]

We are very proud to announce that for a second year running Strata Sense has been awarded the title of Strata Management Business of the Year in our size category at the prestigious Strata Community Awards for Excellence. The awards were presented at a gala function on Friday 15 July 2016 and we were delighted [...]

On 6 July 2015 amendments to the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 (NSW) took effect banning smoking in “a place that is within 4 metres of a pedestrian access point to a building… (containing) licensed premises or a restaurant…” and in “a commercial outdoor dining area”. This is of importance especially to mixed use strata buildings. A ban on smoking [...]

After five years of consultation with the community and stake holders the new strata laws are to take effect from 30 November 2016. Fair Trading advises that the Acts commencing on 30 November will be the Strata Schemes (Management) Act 2015 and Strata Schemes (Development) Act 2015. While the final regulations are yet to be released Strata Sense is [...]

On 19 September 2014, the NSW Government released a position paper outlining 58 proposed reforms to the community scheme laws. The changes are aimed to align strata and community scheme legislation so they are more consistent and provide a more flexible and innovative development framework. Key proposed changes include a focus on: Greater owner participation; Reduce red [...]

On 28 May 2014, the NSW Parliament passed amendments to the Home Building Act 1989. These amendments will take effect on a date to be proclaimed. The date of commencement has not yet been announced, although the Minister has highlighted that the amendments may be enacted on 1 December 2014. One of the major amendments [...]